Thiruvananthapuram: Due to financial constraints, the Kerala Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board struggled with the timely distribution of benefits, including pensions. However, with the recent rise in cess collection since September, the situation is expected to improve.

The increase in cess collection is attributed to the implementation of the K-Smart software, adopted by municipalities and corporations. This has led to a significant rise in cess collection: Rs 28.79 crore in September, Rs 45.89 crore in October, and Rs 49.87 crore in November. The Board is actively addressing its financial crisis and aims to ensure timely distribution of pensions and other benefits.

Target of Rs 100 Crore 

The Board aims to collect Rs 100 crore monthly through the Department of Local Self-Government from 941 Panchayats, 87 municipalities, and six corporations. The implementation of K-Smart in Panchayats starting in April is expected to further speed up cess payments.

Private entities constructing buildings worth over Rs 10 lakh for residential and other purposes are required to pay a percentage of the total construction cost as cess to the Board. Government, semi-government, and public sector organisations will also deduct cess from their work bills and transfer it to the Board.

Rs 53.73 Crore allocated

The Board will immediately release Rs 53.73 crore, including arrears from various assistance schemes, by March 31, 2024. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Chairman V Sasikumar. A total of 20,73,178 members are registered under the Board. The Chairman confirmed that pension arrears and other benefits would be distributed following the rise in cess collection.